The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has announced that petrol prices will increase from Tuesday midnight, while diesel prices will decrease.
The Department said the adjustment of fuel prices is based on current local and international factors and will take effect from the 1st of May.
“Petrol both grades will increase by 37 cents per litre, diesel will decrease by 30 and 36 cents a litre and illuminating paraffin will go decrease by 25 cents a litre at retail level. The price of Liquified Petroleum Gas will decrease by 46 cents per kilogramme,” said the Department spokesperson, Robert Maake.
This is the fourth fuel increase this year, following adjustments in February, March, and April. Maake said several factors contributed to the increase.
“These prices were affected by the higher oil prices and weaker rand during the period under review. The petrol prices are increasing mainly due to higher demand for driving season in the northern hemisphere. The slate levy remains unchanged at 21,92 cents a litre on both petrol and diesel,” highlighted Maake.
He said the Department has also observed that the shipping costs were lower during the period under review compared to the previous period.
The six-months war between Israel Defence Force and Hamas, has also had a negative effect and sustained production cuts by OPEC+ countries.